Article 7985 of misc.rural:
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From: wagner@mala.bc.ca (TOM WAGNER, Wizzard of old Audio/Visual Equipment........Nanaimo Campus)
Newsgroups: misc.rural
Subject: Re: Pond Building
Message-ID: <1994Mar8.124903.3642@mallrc.mala.bc.ca>
Date: 8 Mar 94 12:49:03 -0700
References: <2lg3fn$fjl@bigblue.oit.unc.edu>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Malaspina College
Lines: 96
In article <2lg3fn$fjl@bigblue.oit.unc.edu>, rdrob@med.unc.edu (Ricky Roberson) writes:
> For quite some time now, I've been contemplating building/having a pond built.
> Is building a pond something that an individual with the proper equipment
> could do, or are there some "secrets" to building a pond.
>
> In short, does anybody know anything that might help me as far as pond
> construction goes? Any help would be appreciated. Please email or post
> to the the group.
>
> Rick
>
>
It goes without saying that the most important aspect to ponds is a source of
water. No pun intended but it goes a lot deeper than that. I just built a
80 by 40, 8 feet deep pond so we are talking about recent experience.
To line or not to line, that is the question...
I couldn't line the pond as it is 100% spring fed. To line it would prevent
any water supply at all. Most sources say to line it. Personally I believe
this depends on how much water will go through the pond. Being spring fed I
have considerable flow. I also live in a wet climate. Lining the pond to me
would only be a factor of the inhabitants. If I was raising Koy fish, a liner
or some sort is desireable as the fish like to burrow in the mud and I would
never see them. If you have a meager source of water and are subject to dry
spells a liner is essential. Don't use cheap plastic, if you are going to
keep water in it for the next few years, it will only be as good as the quality
put in. Personally I would opt for concrete (as most of the aquaculturalists
here at the college have done). It is possible to have a Gunnite spray liner
done without any work other than digging the hole. There has been considerable
comments on the availability of plastic materials for liners and as I do not use
one I will leave those comments to those that do.
Safety, or what if anything falls in...
I had my pond dug by a fellow who reclaims logging sites, so any pond he builds
are in the woods and are subject to animals falling in. Do not build steep
sides and bangs. Common sense will dictate what is too steep for any animals to
climb out (example, mine is cut unto a hill, so the bank here is deliberately
steep to prevent animals from even trying to get out that way. the rest is
contoured to lead any stray animals out). Also assume that it may become a
water hole so make provisions. This prevents watering in unsafe or unwanted
areas of the pond. Children are another problem again...
How to attact birds...
Do not put in any feeders. I did, the only activity is coons. Your pond
location will dictate if birds will be attracted to it. A pond in trees will
not attract wild ducks (etc). They do not like to be trapped on the water. If
the pond is out in the open it will surely attract birds. If they come and
you want to feed ok. Scatter feed only. Remember, they will rapidly become
"welfare cases".
Test the water...
Where your water comes from will determine its suitability for fish and the
type. It will also give you an indication of where it is being fed from. I
know of one pond that is totally useless as the neighbors septic systemy hits
it almost directly.
To fish or not to fish, another question...
Fish of some sort are in my opinion essential. The "invertibrate population"
will start almost immediately. Bird droppings transplant all sorts of parasites
and insects. By far the worst is mosquitos. Fish are your best control of this
nuisance.
Check your local fish and game regulations, you may need a permit for some types
of fish. In my area "hobby ponds" are licensed free, but must be inspected.
The major concern is the possibility of your stock escaping into local streams.
You may have to dam the pond outflow and restrict drainage.
How hot does the water get in summer...
If you live in a hot area, you will have problems in the summer. Algae will
thrive. Whis will deplete the oxygen in your pond and do all sorts of nasty
things. Even though some fish thrive on algae aeration will be necessary to
keep trout happy.
My biggest problem will be keeping the wife out of it. This is a definate no
no. Ponds are great to look at but as healthy places to swim they are out.
anyhoo, enuff for now...
One thing sure, they are sure fun. I spent the whole weekend on mine building
bank control on the outflow where we want to walk. Sure can take up ones time.
--
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Proud owner of a dog, cat, bird, old Tractor and a British
Car "If Lucas Electric made guns wars wouldn't start"
Article 7980 of misc.rural:
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From: sher@bbn.com (Lawrence D. Sher)
Newsgroups: misc.rural
Subject: Re: Pond Building
Date: 8 Mar 1994 16:22:22 GMT
Organization: Bolt Beranek and Newman (BBN)
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Distribution: usa
Message-ID:
References: <2lg3fn$fjl@bigblue.oit.unc.edu>
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In article <2lg3fn$fjl@bigblue.oit.unc.edu> rdrob@med.unc.edu (Ricky Roberson) writes:
>For quite some time now, I've been contemplating building/having a pond built.
>Is building a pond something that an individual with the proper equipment
>could do, or are there some "secrets" to building a pond.
>
>In short, does anybody know anything that might help me as far as pond
>construction goes? Any help would be appreciated. Please email or post
>to the the group.
(I'm assuming that by "pond" you do not mean a 10' wading puddle.)
Secrets? It depends on whether you want it done well or not.
I'd suggest that you contact the local branch of the US Soil
Conservation Service for advice. They may be able to point you at good
pond builders too.
Some things to think about:
Local and state regulations
Seasonal ground water levels
Pollution from surface streams or run-in
Wind scouring of the surface
Where to put the spoil
Overflow provisions
Overhanging vegetation
Biological overgrowth
Liability issues
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Larry Sher < US Mail: BBN, MS 6/5B, 10 Moulton St., Cambridge, MA 02138
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